ALEXANDRIA, LA – Late goals from
Fenja Leibner and
Sacha Backus lifted the Louisiana State University of Alexandria women's soccer team over Texas A&M-Texarkana, 2-1, on Senior Day.
"We knew it was going to be a massive game today," LSUA Head Coach
Mark Hammond said. "Every time we play Texarkana it's always a battle. Credit to them, they are a good side. I think we had the better of the first half, credit to them, they came out and had the edge in the second half and score a really nice goal against us. It was a big task, down one-nil with 15 minutes left but this team doesn't quit. We had some big moments, Fenja scoring on her senior day and Sacha coming on and impacting the game by scoring the winner. What a run by Sara [Escribano] to set up the winner, incredible."
The Generals (7-6-0, 5-1-0 RRAC) were out shot by the Eagles (8-3-2, 3-2-1 RRAC), 9-7. LSUA had a 5-3 edge in shots on goal.
A scoreless first half saw four shots from the Eagles and two from LSUA. Desiree Narvaez tried her hand in the 20
th minute but was denied by
Yanira Herraez. In the 36
th minute,
Ariana Lowenstein's shot was turned aside by Layla Anaya.
The 0-0 tie continued into the game's final 15 minutes. The keepers were called into action early in the second half, however. Harraez grabbed a header from Alexia Lara in the 61
st minute and Anaya parried a shot from Sara Escribano Garcia-Miguel in the 63
rd minute.
Justice Richardson was denied by Anaya in the 73
rd minute.
Narvaez broke the deadlock in the 75
th minute. Lillian Miller sent a cross into the box to Narvaez who took a touch around the defender and slipped her shot into the back of the net for a 1-0 lead.
Five minutes later, Leibner tallied the equalizer.
Nelly Dallmann's corner kick was punched softly outward and they carom came to the foot of Leibner who slotted her chance.
In the 84
th minute,
Saige Kirkbride sent a clearance up pitch and into the attacking third. Escribano won a foot race to the ball and began driving inward towards the goal She sent a short pass to Backus for a one-timer and a 2-1 lead.
The Generals are on the road next week as they travel to North American University and A&M-Victoria.
